GE0 307 – Climate Change Dr. Garver Geography Dept.

GEO 307 This course looks at the science behind the forecast of global warming.

Class List Office Hours Texts Web page – –readings, assignments, powerpoints Grading, syllabus

Office Hours: Tuesdays 12:00 – 12:50 Wednesdays 12:00 – 2:50 Thursdays 12:00 – 12:50

Texts: 1. Global Warming: Understanding the Forecast, written by David Archer 2. Field Notes from a Catastrophe, written by Elizabeth Kolbert

Main text – either edition

Kolbert

Kolbert Stories – Choose one

Class Discussion (Kolbert Readings)(5%) We will discuss a reading (or two) from Kolbert each Thursday, everyone needs to have done the reading and come prepared to discuss. Each person will be responsible for leading the discussion for one reading (see sign up sheet).

Weeks 1 – 5 The physics of the greenhouse effect – Black body radiation & atmospheric models – Gases, pressure, and structure of atmosphere – Feedback mechanisms –How blocking outgoing IR light by gh gases makes the earth hotter

Weeks Fossil fuel and the carbon cycle –Energy stored in fossil fuels Climate Forecasts Predictions and reliability of climate model forecasts Records of recent and past climates Projected impacts of climate change on; –sea level, rainfall, species diversity, storm severity

Grading: Assignments/Quizzes30% Midterm30% Final30% Kolbert Presentations5% Class Attendance & Discussion 5% 100%

Assignments/Quizzes (30%) ~ assignments due every other week. ~2 – 3 quizzes based on Archer readings and lectures (Tuesdays).

MIDTERM EXAM (30%) (All lectures, videos, articles, and readings prior to midterm) FINAL EXAM (30%) (Comprehensive)